Kawasaki Z1
The Kawasaki Z1 is a four-cylinder, air-cooled, double-overhead camshaft, carbureted, chain-drive motorcycle introduced in 1972 by Kawasaki. Following the introduction of Honda's CB750 in 1968, the Z1 helped popularize the in-line, across-the-frame four-cylinder, a format that became known as the Universal Japanese Motorcycle or UJM.
1972 Kawasaki Z1 | |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Also called | Kawasaki 900 Super Four |
| Production | 1972–1975; 85,000 units (est.) |
| Successor | Kawasaki Z900 |
| Class | standard |
| Engine | DOHC 903 cm3 (55.1 cu in) air-cooled, inline-four |
| Bore / stroke | 66 mm × 66 mm (2.6 in × 2.6 in) |
| Top speed | 130–132 mph (209–212 km/h) |
| Power | 82 PS (81 hp) at 8500 rpm |
| Torque | 54.2 lb⋅ft (73.5 N⋅m) at 8500 rpm |
| Ignition type | Battery |
| Transmission | 5-speed |
| Frame type | Full duplex cradle |
| Suspension | F: Telescopic, R: Swing arm |
| Brakes | F: 11.5 in (290 mm) disk (optional 2nd disk) R: 7.9 in (200 mm) drum |
| Tires | F: 3.25-19, R: 4.00-18 |
| Wheelbase | 1,490 mm (59 in) |
| Dimensions | L: 2,200 mm (87 in) W: 685 mm (27.0 in) H: 1,170 mm (46 in) |
| Weight | 510 lb (230 kg) (dry) 542 lb (246 kg) (wet) |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal) |
The Z1 was noted for being the first large-capacity Japanese four-cylinder motorcycle to use the double-overhead-camshaft system on a production motorcycle. When it was introduced, only the MV Agusta 750 S used this system; it was a very expensive limited-production machine, as opposed to the Kawasaki which was less than half the price.
Marketed variously as the Z1-900, 900 Z1 or 900 S4 ("Super Four"), the Z1 was the first of Kawasaki's Z models.